Comment on the forest policy of the European Union
At the EU Forest Conference of 4th-5th February, the Commission vice-president, Frans Timmermans, expressed clear support for the conservation of Europe’s forests. However, the fear still exists that Europe’s woodlands will continue to be seen primarily as a source of timber.
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More rigorous protection needed for Europe’s virgin forests
On 4 and 5 February, the EU’s future forest policy was discussed at the EU International Conference on Forests for Biodiversity and Climate in Brussels. In his opening speech, Frans Timmermans, Commissioner for the European Green Deal, spoke emphatically about the work which needs to be done - but these words must now be followed by actions. Outside, forest conservationists protested against logging in Europe’s last remaining virgin forests.
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Shooting of bald ibis in Croatia
The northern bald ibis is one of the world’s rarest birds with only tiny remnant populations in the Middle East and along the Atlantic coast of Morocco. Currently, there is an elaborate plan to reintroduce these birds in the Alps where they bred until the 16th century. The project to protect this endangered species suffered a severe setback in December when three of the bald ibis were shot and killed in Croatia.
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Rebuke for Albania: Bern Convention insists on Albanian government to suspend hydropower projects on Vjosa river
The Bern Convention Standing Committee has decided to keep the case against the Albanian government in regards to the projected Pocem and Kalivac hydropower plants on the Vjosa River open. The Committee is also alarmed about the expansion of hydropower in northern Macedonia.
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Planned revision of Albania’s protected areas
The Albanian government is currently preparing a reappraisal of the country’s network of protected areas. In an open letter to the government in Tirana, the Mediterranean Alliance for Wetlands, a confederation of 25 nature conservation organisations, has expressed deep concern at the plans and called for a rethink.
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Europe’s rivers are damned by dams
++ New study reveals extent of hydropower frenzy all over Europe ++ Plans for more than 8,700 new hydropower plants ++ Devastating impacts on biodiversity and society particularly in the Balkans ++
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Holiday complex on the Karavasta Lagoon blocked
Plans for a large holiday complex on the Albanian Karavasta Lagoon have been scrapped after the government in Tirana threw out the project. As a result, the internationally important wetland area will be preserved.
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New loggings and fires threaten the Domogled National Park
Tree felling is intruding further and further into the forest wilderness of the Domogled National Park at Valea Cernei in the southern Carpathian Mountains. Serious forest fires have destroyed valuable areas in one of the most important natural landscapes of the EU.
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The European Green Belt: Nature conservation connects neighbours
++ The fall of the Berlin Wall marks the birth of the European Green Belt ++ Nature conservation along the former Iron Curtain as a Central European peace project ++
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Murders in Romania's virgin forests shock public opinion
EuroNatur and Agent Green: Romania must intensify fight against mafia and corruption in forestry sector
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